Meredith Harley is sold to Orlando Harley

[WeirsBeachBoater]

Front Page of the Daily Sun today!

[fatlazyless]

Today's www.unionleader.com has an article on it.

Looks like the big money is rolling into Meredith Harley.....new owner w/major Harley business experience.

[imalocal]

I hope the new owners are as "Community-oriented" as the Johnsons are! We will miss seeing them there.:(

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I am not sure, time will tell. However according to the public records at the secretary of state office, it looks like the "new" name of Meredith Harley is to become Laconia Harley Davidson!?!?!?! I am not sure how that will be received by the local townsfolk. There is also a White Mountain Harley Davidson registered out of Orlando FL. Educated guess would tell me that is what the Conway shop will be called.

[wildwoodfam]

I am not sure, time will tell. However according to the public records at the secretary of state office, it looks like the "new" name of Meredith Harley is to become Laconia Harley Davidson!?!?!?! I am not sure how that will be received by the local townsfolk. There is also a White Mountain Harley Davidson registered out of Orlando FL. Educated guess would tell me that is what the Conway shop will be called.

Won't that confuse people??? Why call it Laconia when it is located in Meredith?!

[GWC...]

Won't that confuse people??? Why call it Laconia when it is located in Meredith?!
Laconia Bike Week

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... :rolleye2: ;)

[fatlazyless]

Here's the reasoning....it's evens up the score with Akwa Soliel, which is in Laconia, for renaming itself Meredith Bay. By the way, how's sales this year at Meredith Bay?

Could be that the new owners of Meredith Harley think they can improve the store's brand strength with a different name, plus it signals the new management. ...who knows how they think in Orlando?

[Lakepilot]

I think the main reason Orlando Harley has bought Meredith Harley, is that they want to capitalize on Laconia Bike week. Changing the name will associate more with bike week and they'll promote and organize bike week more like Daytona Bike week.

This year I've been to Daytona Bike week, Laconia and Sturgis and both Sturgis and Daytona are much better organized.

[wifi]

Could also be that the original owners of MHD wanted $$ for the trade name and OHD got a better price on the deal if they used a new name.

[SIKSUKR]

Isn't the Laconia Airport in Gilford?It's just a name.

[chipj29]

Isn't the Laconia Airport in Gilford?It's just a name.

And Manchester Airport is in Londonderry. ;)

[brk-lnt]

Could also be that the original owners of MHD wanted $$ for the trade name and OHD got a better price on the deal if they used a new name.

While I'm sure the owners of Orlando Harley know how to acquire a business, in transactions like this it is not uncommon to do an "inventory sale". In essence, all the assets are sold to the new owners, but the formal corporate entity is retained by the original owners. That entity also retains any outstanding debt and liabilities. This allows for one business to buy another without having to spend tons of money on due diligence making sure there is no outstanding liabilities. Of course in this scenario, the old owners retain the old business name, so the new owners need to use a new name...

[SAMIAM]

Hope the Harley dealership has better luck identifying with "Laconia Bike Week" than Weirs beach did.

[EricP]

Drove by earlier today and saw a huge banner:

"Under New Ownership
Laconia Harley Davidson"

[VitaBene]

Yes, Orlando HD owners recently bought Meredith HD and renamed it Laconia HD. It is a good marketing move on their part. Tough times for bike dealers but they have the financial wherewithal to survive.

[fatlazyless]

Harley's are incredibly expensive......say, like twenty thousand dollars when new. Not surprising that the Harley business has slowed down.

For about four thousand you can get a decent used Ford Focus which has features like a windshield, roof, four wheels, ac,, heater, seats, and a trunk, and better gas mileage.

If you want a two wheel vehicle, go peddle a bicycle.:):laugh:

[dpg]

Yes, Orlando HD owners recently bought Meredith HD and renamed it Laconia HD. It is a good marketing move on their part. Tough times for bike dealers but they have the financial wherewithal to survive.

Why is a good move on their part? I just don't see all kinds of new business coming to the place because of Laconia bike week. :confused:

[Slickcraft]

As a long time customer of Meredith HD I was a little disappointed to see the name change, after all the store is in Meredith and the town has been good to the business over the years. Of course if Lee and Steve still run the service dept then I'll live with the name change. They do have their best sales of the year during Laconia bike week.

I received 3 mailings last week from Laconia HD including: an invite to a welcome celebration at the dealership Oct 5th and a three day sale on new bikes (Oct 3-5) with promise of good deals. With this economy the bikes probably have not been flying out the door.

[VitaBene]

Why is a good move on their part? I just don't see all kinds of new business coming to the place because of Laconia bike week. :confused:

Every HD rider in the US has heard of Laconia bike week and therefore the name has instant name recognition. It also clearly indicates new ownership. Personally I prefer White Mountain HD.

[SIKSUKR]

Every HD rider in the US has heard of Laconia bike week and therefore the name has instant name recognition. It also clearly indicates new ownership. Personally I prefer White Mountain HD.

Except that it not located in the White Mts.:laugh::laugh:

[ironhorsetim]

Harley's are incredibly expensive......say, like twenty thousand dollars when new. Not surprising that the Harley business has slowed down.
For about four thousand you can get a decent used Ford Focus which has features like a windshield, roof, four wheels, ac,, heater, seats, and a trunk, and better gas mileage.

If you want a two wheel vehicle, go peddle a bicycle.:):laugh:

I hate to tell you FL, but I get 45mpg with my 98 dyna wide glide :eek:
and 20k is on the high end...just for comparison ;)

[dpg]

Except that it not located in the White Mts.:laugh::laugh:


Or Laconia for that matter. :eek:

[GWC...]

Or Laconia for that matter. :eek:
A check with the history of Laconia might find a little mention of Meredith Bridge, NH. :D

http://www3.gendisasters.com/new-hampshire/398/meredith-bridge,-nh-fire,-feb-1823

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laconia,_New_Hampshire

[Gatto Nero]

Harley's are incredibly expensive......say, like twenty thousand dollars when new. Not surprising that the Harley business has slowed down.

For about four thousand you can get a decent used Ford Focus which has features like a windshield, roof, four wheels, ac,, heater, seats, and a trunk, and better gas mileage.

If you want a two wheel vehicle, go peddle a bicycle.:):laugh:

If we have to explain it you wouldn't understand.

[VitaBene]

Or Laconia for that matter. :eek:

Laconia- White Mountains-I know, though I think they still have the Conway area store as well- WM HD fits better there. I guess ultimately I don't care what they call it. My bike is a 94 that is paid for and has been for a long time! Meredith HD has extracted $120 in parts from me in 10 years or so.

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I had the opportunity to meet Mr Deli, and Kyle the new GM on Saturday. Very nice people! I look forward to what they have to bring to the table. It will be nice to have a professional working relationship with the local HD dealer! I had some thoughts about the name at first, But I see the need for the change, and understand the instant Brand recognition that Laconia has!

[wildwoodfam]

Laconia Bike Week

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... :rolleye2: ;) Bike Week is in, hmmmmmmm - Laconia perhaps!!??

Meredith Harley is in --- Oh Yeah....

Meredith!!!!!!!!!!

:cool:

[Pineedles]

I talked with a HD owner today and he said there is a big difference about what comes out of the crate and what is finally put on the showroom floor. Trick it out with alot of chrome and stuff and $20K is is definitly possible.:(

[Cristen]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... :rolleye2: ;) Bike Week is in, hmmmmmmm - Laconia perhaps!!??

Meredith Harley is in --- Oh Yeah....

Meredith!!!!!!!!!!

:cool:I'm going to assume that you do not ride. The local Harley dealership is looking to cater to people who ride. Laconia Bike Week pulls in an obscene amount money each year. The Harley dealer is located in Meredith, but the new owners are pursuing a marketing strategy looking to target bikers from all over (not just the lakes region). When people in the biker world hear "Laconia"....they think of Laconia Bike Week. I understand the name change, and think it makes sense.

Anyway...I'm off to the Myrtle Beach Fall Bike Rally tomorrow!! Any other Winni forum members heading down to SC? :D

[Slickcraft]

I'm going to assume that you do not ride. The local Harley dealership is looking to cater to people who ride.

Well, I do ride and have been a long term customer of Meredith HD. As I said a while ago, I am disappointed with the name change.

[redc5]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... :rolleye2: ;) Bike Week is in, hmmmmmmm - Laconia perhaps!!??

Meredith Harley is in --- Oh Yeah....

Meredith!!!!!!!!!!

:cool::You dont really think the laconia Bike Week takes place Just in Laconia....do you?????????
I involves the whole state. This is a marketing strategy in it's most simple form.

[TomC]

this is a silly thing to be screaming about (giant, bold fonts in all caps).. there are countless businesses with regional names designed to invoke an association with a location or lifestyle that aren't in the exact town or location named...

the owners undoubtedly paid significant money to buy the business and they can call it whatever they like...

[SIKSUKR]

And Manchester Airport is in Londonderry. ;)

Actually Chip,it's the Manchester/BOSTON airport that is located in Londonderry.Now that one really is a stretch.I think that name sounds dumb.

[chipj29]

Actually Chip,it's the Manchester/BOSTON airport that is located in Londonderry.Now that one really is a stretch.I think that name sounds dumb.

Sorry, my bad. I didn't type in the whole name Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MBRA). And I agree, it is a stupid name. Either way, it is in neither Manchester nor Boston.

[ironhorsetim]

I talked with a HD owner today and he said there is a big difference about what comes out of the crate and what is finally put on the showroom floor. Trick it out with alot of chrome and stuff and $20K is is definitly possible.:(

That is definetly correct, that's why most HD owners add on all the chrome and bells and whistles from aftermarket catalog's or shops like WBB's shop ;) (excellant work by the way). Anything that prints HD on it and comes from a dealership is always more $$$ alway's has been, alway's will, that's why a t-shirt from them cost's $40 :eek:

[Gatto Nero]

I expect the name change will be well worth it if for no other reason than the sale of T-shirts. As has been said before, anybody who rides knows about the Laconia rally. HD riders are always looking for HD shirts from famous dealerships. Based on the familiarity with the Laconia name I would expect they would be much better sellers than Meredith HD.

[The Big Kahuna]

Won't that confuse people??? Why call it Laconia when it is located in Meredith?! The amount of clothing and branded Laconia Harley will bring in is going to be ten times that of Meredith Harley. It is a license to print money during bike week and year round. Really good business move on their part, they also know how to prepare events for the bike week, I hope they will do well. On a side note I hope Harley comes out with some new styles and colors, I am not impressed with what I have seen lateley and it is almost time for me to get a new bike.

[Lakepilot]

The amount of clothing and branded Laconia Harley will bring in is going to be ten times that of Meredith Harley. It is a license to print money during bike week and year round. Really good business move on their part, they also know how to prepare events for the bike week, I hope they will do well. On a side note I hope Harley comes out with some new styles and colors, I am not impressed with what I have seen lateley and it is almost time for me to get a new bike.

Have you seen the 09 screaming eagle custom Vehicle operations bikes? First time I saw a CVO was at Sturgis. I just bought one and love it. Heated seats, grips, abs, door locks, etc. The first Harley I've seen in a long time that I loved.

[The Big Kahuna]

Have you seen the 09 screaming eagle custom Vehicle operations bikes? First time I saw a CVO was at Sturgis. I just bought one and love it. Heated seats, grips, abs, door locks, etc. The first Harley I've seen in a long time that I loved. I have not seen it but is sounds nice, I will check it out, thanks for the heads up.

[Lakesrider]

Geeesh. I've spent thousands of dollars at Merideth HD and I didn't get any invitation or flyer about a sale. And I am looking to trade in my 2006.
I guess I won't be getting it there.......:rolleye2:

[VitaBene]

Geeesh. I've spent thousands of dollars at Merideth HD and I didn't get any invitation or flyer about a sale. And I am looking to trade in my 2006.
I guess I won't be getting it there.......:rolleye2:

Lakesrider, perhaps the old owners did not accurately convey info to the new.

[Lakepilot]

I got the invite:liplick:

[Dave R]

The amount of clothing and branded Laconia Harley will bring in is going to be ten times that of Meredith Harley. It is a license to print money during bike week and year round. Really good business move on their part, they also know how to prepare events for the bike week, I hope they will do well. On a side note I hope Harley comes out with some new styles and colors, I am not impressed with what I have seen lateley and it is almost time for me to get a new bike.

Check out a Buell Ulysses. It's got a big, air cooled V-twin, but it's actually fun to ride hard. It also does not look like every other chromed cruiser or gaudy sport bike out there. Very unique style and is utterly comfortable. It's something on which you could knock out 500 mile back road days easily.

I prefer more power so it does not completely appeal to me. If they can get it over 130 HP, I'd consider one.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/2008_Buell_Ulysses_XB12XT_4.jpg

[fasttech]

Open house is Sunday Oct 5th from 2 to 6 and everyone is invited. You can check out the prices for yourself and they do not start at 20K. Hopefully the new owners will run the sales department better than Heather, I have a few freinds that could not put together a deal because of the mood she was in.
And yes the Deli's are very nice and professional and I am sure the buisness will be a sucess no matter what the name is (I kind of like the name). They are also going to selling used bikes and doing rentals.:laugh:

[Slickcraft]

We stopped by at the welcome celebration today. The food was catered by Hart’s and there was a good spread, also two choices on draft beer. Very good turnout, nothing like free food and drinks to get us Harley riders out.


There was both good news and somewhat of a disappointment inside. The good news for me is that Lee and Steve are still in the service dept. They have given me great service over the years. On the down side we were really surprised at how sparse the inventory was – from bikes to jeans. They were giving out free gift certificates to be used at a later date when inventory is up. Also at about 3:00 pm I made an attempt to meet the new owners but they were not available. The staff said that they maybe were out back, not seen yet. As the purpose of the welcome was for the new owners to meet the customers I was a little surprised at their absence. Maybe they were planning an entrance a little later on. I did meet the friendly new sales mgr but don’t remember his name.

They did want customers to sign-up to stay on the mailing list; the old list will be discontinued.

[Lakepilot]

I agree with Slikcraft. The inventory was scarce and I saw very little if anything on sale. It also really aggravates me when there are no prices on the bikes. I always get the feeling the price is a function of how you look, or what they think the size of your wallet is. I really expected a lot more bikes and attractive price tags. This is no Rossmeyers for sure and I liked it a lot better as Meredith Harley. We saw a line at the front door and asked someone what it was for he they indicated it was to be put on their mail list and for a raffle to win tickets to Meadowbrook so we didn't wait in the line. They had no signs that I saw indicating it was for gift cert's. At least the riding was great today.

[fasttech]

I stopped in at two and met the new owners, they were in the front of the food line greeting every one waiting in line, they seem very nice. As for the inventory did you stop in during bike week, the old owners had about twenty bikes on the floor and today it looked like double that plus they had sleds on the floor at blow out pices on them. I think they did a great job and continue to make great changes. Just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinion's.:emb:

[Lakesrider]

We stopped in as well. Both my girlfriends name and mine were not in the system. We gave our address and they told us they would fix it. I saw many bikes. all with prices. Yes, inside was sparse. Lots of bikes outside though under the tent. Time will tell what differences there will be. Nice to see some of the sales people in the clothing section were the same.

[The Big Kahuna]

If you have never been given the tour than let me tell you, there are twice as many bikes up stairs than you see on the floor. You have to be invited up, usually when you are interested in purchasing a new bike they will take you up for a look at all the inventory.

[fatlazyless]

Oct 18 Laconia Daily Sun, Belknap County Real Estate transactions has a very brief description of the recent sale in Meredith.

" PMS Realty LLC to Laconia American Road, Land, 239 DW Hwy, $5,490,000. "

Anyone have more info on the real estate public information like size of lot, and does it include the big Harley Davidson dealership building?

Is this real estate price based more on the size and location of the property, or as a commercial lot and business, is the high price of $5.49 mil based more on the cash flow and earnings and perceived earnings potential of the business?

Considering that the one acre of land underneath the Inn at Bay Point, at the big intersection, was last assessed for one million dollars for one acre, it makes 5.49 million sound pretty high?

[jrc]

FLL don't be so lazy ;)

Go to nhdeeds.com, and search for PMS in Belknap county, in 2008. The deed will come up. It's for land and improvements (buildings). It also has a covenant against the new owners putting in a restaurant. I wonder why that is there?

There is a seperate entry on the same day for termination of lease between PMS and Meredith Harley.

I don't think you can convey a business in a deed, but I'm not sure. This deed conveys only real property.

[VitaBene]

FLL don't be so lazy ;)

Go to nhdeeds.com, and search for PMS in Belknap county, in 2008. The deed will come up. It's for land and improvements (buildings). It also has a covenant against the new owners putting in a restaurant. I wonder why that is there?

There is a seperate entry on the same day for termination of lease between PMS and Meredith Harley.

I don't think you can convey a business in a deed, but I'm not sure. This deed conveys only real property.

Was the property originally bought from Hart's? If so, that is likely the reason for the no restaurant covenant.

[ironhorsetim]

Was the property originally bought from Hart's? If so, that is likely the reason for the no restaurant covenant.

We were just talking about that yesterday and I was told by a lawyer friend that was the case, it was once owned by Hart's